Orthotic / Prosthetic Technician Program (S102)

Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician is a practice-oriented, hands-on program that teaches students to be competent in the use of many hand tools and specialized machines for the fabrication of orthotic and prosthetic devices.

This is a full-time program open only to domestic students, with classes starting every September. (Winter and summer start options are not available.) It is taught at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre by faculty currently working in the field.

To be considered, applications must be submitted to OntarioColleges.ca by February 1 of each year.

Over the course of two years, students will learn how to make the following devices to help rehabilitate individuals with disabilities:

• orthoses (braces and splints)
• prostheses (artificial limbs)

New techniques, including additive design and manufacture (3D printing), support the demand for technically competent people in this field.

The orthotic/prosthetic technician makes prostheses and orthoses from technical specifications, measurements and positive plaster casts using a variety of materials, such as:

• thermosetting resins
• thermoforming plastics
• metal
• fabrics
• leather

You should consider applying if you have:

• good hand skills
• a strong background in math and human sciences

This program is not available part-time.

Field education plays an integral role in this program by providing both practical experience and additional learning opportunities outside of the program's curriculum. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience by completing four weeks of placement (37.5 hours/week) under the supervision of either a certified prosthetic/orthotic clinician or a registered prosthetic/orthotic technician. Not only does it provide the opportunity for students to start developing their own professional network, but it allows them to get a better understanding of a typical work environment and their role with other prosthetic/orthotic clinic members.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Perform all primary fabricating procedures such as vacuum molding, laminations, bending and aligning components, and other such processes.
2. Perform all required technical skills such as fastening, sanding, gluing, cutting, drilling, etc., at a reasonable competence.
3. Identify and perform tasks involved in the repair and maintenance of prostheses and orthoses.
4. Identify and describe the common materials used in orthotic and prosthetic practise and demonstrate the proper use of such materials.
5. Develop an efficient and effective protocol for the fabrication of orthoses and prostheses, based on the appropriate prescription and directions of the Certified Orthotist or Prosthetist.
6. Identify and demonstrate the proper procedures, operating specifications and common safety practices in the use of machines, tools and the handling of materials required in the fabrication of orthoses and prostheses.
7. Demonstrate a competent knowledge in the application and function of common orthotic and prosthetic appliances and their corresponding components and systems.
8. Demonstrate the common orthotic and prosthetic bench or static alignment procedures necessary to prepare the orthotic or prosthetic appliance for patient fitting and articulate the principles (biomechanical, anatomical, etc.) used in determining such alignments.
9. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the pertinent biomechanical, anatomical, physiological, and pathological concepts necessary for the effective implementation of technical and clinical procedures in the delivery of orthotic and prosthetic care.
10. Appreciate the need to keep abreast of new techniques and developments with respect to orthotic and prosthetic care and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the research and development of more effective prosthetic and orthotic designs and procedures.
11. Appreciate the roles the Orthotic/Prosthetic professional bodies play in the maintenance of standards and the development of the profession and be willing to contribute towards its advancement.
12. Appreciate the roles of the various health team members involved in the delivery of orthotic and prosthetic care.
13. Be familiar with issues related to the supervision of support personnel and laboratory activities and also the administrative duties required in the management of a prosthetic/orthotic practise.

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2019. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2020 and at later dates.

This program does not accept International students.

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.